MR imaging system with interactive MR geometry prescription control over a network

ABSTRACT

A method for prescribing geometry of an imaging volume of a structure of interest positioned in a magnetic resonance (MR) imaging system. The method includes (a) establishing a communication connection over a network between the MR imaging system and a remote facility to provide remote services to the MR imaging systems; (b) selecting a first boundary plane of the structure of interest, wherein the first boundary plane is prescribed by a first imaging section of the structure of interest; (c) determining a first geometry information corresponding to the first imaging section of the structure of interest; (d) storing the first geometry information in the MR imaging system; (e) selecting a second boundary plane of the structure of interest, wherein the second boundary plane is prescribed by a first imaging section of the structure of interest; (f) determining the second geometry information corresponding to the second imaging section of the structure of interest; (g) storing the second geometry information in the MR imaging system; and (h) applying the first and second geometry information of the first and second imaging sections, respectively, to prescribe a boundary geometry defining a subsequent imaging volume of the structure of interest. At least one of steps (b) through (h) is done remotely.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part (CIP) of U.S. applicationSer. No. 09/200,144, entitled “MR IMAGING SYSTEM WITH INTERACTIVE MRGEOMETRY PRESCRIPTION CONTROL” by Josef P. Debbins, Richard J. Prorokand William J. Balloni filed on Nov. 25, 1998.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of medicaldiagnostic systems, such as imaging systems. More particularly, theinvention relates to a system and technique for accurately andefficiently prescribing the geometry of a subsequent imaging volume of astructure of interest using at least two two-dimensional MR imagingsections as well as a system and technique for retrieving geometryinformation from a previously prescribed imaging volume and manipulatingthis geometry information.

When a substance such as human tissue is subjected to a uniform magneticfield (polarizing field Bo), the individual magnetic moments of thespins in the tissue attempt to align with this polarizing field, butprocess about it in random order at their characteristic Larmorfrequency. If the substance, or tissue, is subjected to a magnetic field(excitation field B₁) which is the x-y plane and which is near theLarmor frequency, the net aligned moment, M_(z), may be rotated, or“tipped”, into the x-y plane to produce a net transverse magnetic momentM. A signal is emitted by the excited spins after the excitation signalB₁ is terminated and this signal may be received and processed to forman image.

When utilizing these signals to produce images, magnetic field gradients(G_(x), G_(y) and G_(z)) are employed. Typically, the region to beimaged is scanned by a sequence of measurement cycles in which thesegradients vary according to the particular localization method beingused. The resulting set of received NMR signals are digitized andprocessed to reconstruct the image using one of many well knownreconstruction techniques.

When attempting to define the volume of coverage of an MR imaging scan,the NMR system operator may desire to quickly view a preview MR image(such as a real-time MR image) of the anatomical section within thisvolume of coverage. This process can be particularly useful whenprescribing a three dimensional imaging volume, in which the desiredhigh spatial resolution requires the thinnest slab possible. It isdesirable to position this thin slab such that the anatomical sectionwithin the volume of coverage is complete, i.e. for example, covers theentire desired vascular network. Thus, a quick view of each side of theslab prior to initiating the three dimensional acquisition is useful forinsuring that the entire anatomical section desired is within thedefined volume of coverage.

Typically, two dimensional axial, sagittal and/or coronal “scout” imagesare first acquired. Such scout images are stored for later use. To use,the operator calls up the scout image and either graphically orexplicitly (using geometry coordinates) prescribes the imaging volumedirectly on the scout images. The imaging volume may be either a twodimensional stack of slices or a three dimensional slab of the structureof interest. The drawback of this technique is that the operator doesnot actually see the results of the prescribed geometry until thesubsequent imaging volume is acquired. Prescription errors cannot bedetected nor corrected until the imaging volume acquisition is complete.Thus, when prescription errors exist, the operator is required tore-prescribe and re-acquire the imaging volume of the desired anatomicalsection.

Solutions to the problems described above have not heretofore includedsignificant remote capabilities. In particular, communication networks,such as, the Internet or private networks, have not been used to provideremote services to such medical diagnostic systems. The advantages ofremote services, such as, remote monitoring, remote system control,immediate file access from remote locations, remote file storage andarchiving, remote resource pooling, remote recording, remotediagnostics, and remote high speed computations have not heretofore beenemployed to solve the problems discussed above.

Thus, there is a need for a medical diagnostic system which provides forthe advantages of remote services and addresses the problems discussedabove. In particular, there is a need for accurately and efficientlyprescribing the geometry of a subsequent imaging volume of a structureof interest using at least two two-dimensional MR imaging sections overa network from a remote location. Further, there is a need forretrieving geometry information from a previously prescribed imagingvolume and manipulating this geometry information over a network. Evenfurther, there is a need for manipulation of MR imaging systems remotelyvia a network.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One embodiment of the invention relates to a method for prescribinggeometry of an imaging volume of a structure of interest positioned in amagnetic resonance (MR) imaging system. The method includes (a)establishing a communication connection over a network between the MRimaging system and a remote facility to provide remote services to theMR imaging system; (b) selecting a first boundary plane of the structureof interest, wherein the first boundary plane is prescribed by a firstimaging section of the structure of interest; (c) determining a firstgeometry information corresponding to the first imaging section of thestructure of interest; (d) storing the first geometry information in theMR imaging system; (e) selecting a second boundary plane of thestructure of interest, wherein the second boundary plane is prescribedby a first imaging section of the structure of interest; (f) determiningthe second geometry information corresponding to the second imagingsection of the structure of interest; (g) storing the second geometryinformation in the MR imaging system; and (h) applying the first andsecond geometry information of the first and second imaging sections,respectively, to prescribe a boundary geometry defining a subsequentimaging volume of the structure of interest. At least one of steps (b)through (h) is done remotely.

Another embodiment of the invention relates to a method for retrievinggeometry prescription of an imaging volume of a structure of interestpositioned in a magnetic resonance (MR) imaging system. The methodincludes (a) establishing a communication connection over a networkbetween the MR imaging system and a remote facility to provide remoteservices to the MR imaging system; (b) selecting a previously prescribedimaging volume of the structure of interest; (c) determining a first andsecond geometry information representing a first and second boundaryplanes, respectively, of the previously prescribed imaging volume; (d)loading the first and second geometry information representing the firstand second boundary planes, respectively, in at least one buffer; and(e) storing the first and second geometry information representing thefirst and second boundary planes of the previously prescribed imagingvolume in the MR imaging system. At least one of steps (b) through (e)is done remotely.

Another embodiment of the invention relates to a magnetic resonance (MR)imaging system for prescribing geometry of an imaging volume of astructure of interest, including: (a) means for establishing acommunication connection over a network between the MR imaging systemand a remote facility to provide remote services to the MR imagingsystem; (b) means for selecting a first boundary plane of the structureof interest, wherein the first boundary plane is prescribed by a firstimaging section of the structure of interest; (c) means for determininga first geometry information corresponding to the first imaging sectionof the structure of interest; (d) means for storing the first geometryinformation in the MR imaging system; (e) means for selecting a secondboundary plane of the structure of interest, wherein the second boundaryplane is prescribed by a first imaging section of the structure ofinterest; (f) means for determining the second geometry informationcorresponding to the second imaging section of the structure ofinterest; (g) means for storing the second geometry information in theMR imaging system; and (h) means for applying the first and secondgeometry information of the first and second imaging sections,respectively, to prescribe a boundary geometry defining a subsequentimaging volume of the structure of interest. At least one of the means(b) through (h) is located remotely.

Another embodiment of the invention relates to a magnetic resonance (MR)imaging system capable of retrieving geometry prescription of an imagingvolume of a structure of interest, including: (a) means for establishinga communication connection over a network between the MR imaging systemand a remote facility to provide remote services to the MR imagingsystem; (b) means for selecting a previously prescribed imaging volumeof the structure of interest; (c) means for determining a first andsecond geometry information representing a first and second boundaryplanes, respectively, of the previously prescribed imaging volume; (d)means for loading the first and second geometry information representingthe first and second boundary planes, respectively, in at least onebuffer; and (e) means for storing the first and second geometryinformation representing the first and second boundary planes of thepreviously prescribed imaging volume in the MR imaging system. At leastone of the means (b) through (e) is located remotely.

Another embodiment of the invention relates to a magnetic resonance (MR)imaging system for prescribing geometry of an imaging volume of astructure of interest. The system includes a MR imaging device, anetwork coupling the MR imaging device and a remote facility, anoperator interface, and a computer system. The MR imaging device isconfigured to acquire and reconstruct MR data in real-time of at leastone first and second imaging section of the structure of interest inreal-time and display at least one first and second imaging section ofthe structures of interest in real-time. The network provides remoteservices to the MR imaging device. The operator interface is configuredto transmit at least one selection signal in response to an operatorselecting a first boundary plane of the structure of interest on theoperator interface, wherein the first boundary plane is prescribed bythe first imaging section of the structure of interest, and the operatorselecting a second boundary plane of the structure of interest on theoperator interface, wherein the second boundary plane is prescribed bythe second imaging section of the structure of interest. The computersystem is coupled to the operator interface and the network, wherein thecomputer system is configured to determine a first and second geometryinformation corresponding to the first and second imaging sections,respectively, of the structure of interest, in response to the at leastone selection signal, and wherein the computer system is configured tostore the first and second geometry information in the MR imagingsystem.

Another embodiment of the invention relates to a magnetic resonance (MR)imaging system capable of retrieving geometry prescription of an imagingvolume of a structure of interest. The system includes a computersystem, a network coupling the computer system and a remote facility, anoperator interface, and a system control. The computer system isconfigured to store at least one previously prescribed imaging volume ofthe structure of interest. The network provides remote services to thecomputer system. The operator interface is coupled to the computersystem and is configured to transmit at least one selection signal inresponse to an operator selecting the at least one previously prescribedimaging volume of the structure of interest on the operator interface.The system control is coupled to the computer system, the network, andthe operator interface, wherein, in response to the at least oneselection signal from the operator interface, the computer systemdetermines a first and second geometry information representing a firstand second boundary planes, respectively, of the previously prescribedimaging volume, and stores the first and second geometry informationrepresenting the first and second boundary planes, respectively, in thesystem control, wherein the operator interface includes an electronicdisplay configured to display the first and second geometry information.

Other principle features and advantages of the present invention willbecome apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the followingdrawings, the detailed description, and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will become more fully understood from the followingdetailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts, in which:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a MR imaging system which employs apreferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is an electrical block diagram of the transceiver which formspart of the MR imaging system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an illustration of the graphical user interface on the displayscreen of the operator console of the MR imaging system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a diagrammatical representation of a series of medicaldiagnostic systems coupled to a service facility via a networkconnection for providing remote services and data interchange betweenthe diagnostic systems and the service facility;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the systems shown in FIG. 4 illustratingcertain functional components of the diagnostic systems and the servicefacility;

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of certain functional components within adiagnostic system of the type shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 forfacilitating interactive remote servicing of the diagnostic system; and

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of certain of the functional components of theservice facility illustrated in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 for renderinginteractive remote service to a plurality of medical diagnostic systems.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring first to FIG. 1, there is shown the major components of apreferred MR imaging system which incorporates the present invention.The operation of the system is controlled from an operator console 100which includes an input device 101, a control panel 102 and a display104. The console 100 communicates through a link 116 with a separatecomputer system 107 that enables an operator to control the productionand display of images on the display 104. The computer system 107includes a number of modules which communicate with each other through abackplane. These include an image processor module 106, a CPU module 108and a memory module 113, known in the art as a frame buffer for storingimage data arrays. The computer system 107 is linked to a disk storage111 and a tape drive 112 for storage of image data and programs, and itcommunicates with a separate system control 122 through a high speedserial link 115.

The system control 122 includes a set of modules connected together by abackplane. These include a CPU module 119 and a pulse generator module121 which connects to the operator console 100 through a serial link125. It is through this link 125 that the system control 122 receivescommands from the operator which indicate the scan sequence that is tobe performed. The pulse generator module 121 operates the systemcomponents to carry out the desired scan sequence. It produces datawhich indicates the timing, strength and shape of the RF pulses whichare to be produced, and the timing of and length of the data acquisitionwindow. The pulse generator module 121 connects to a set of gradientamplifiers 127, to indicate the timing and shape of the gradient pulsesto be produced during the scan. The pulse generator module 121 alsoreceives patient data from a physiological acquisition controller 129that receives signals from a number of different sensors connected tothe patient, such as ECG signals from electrodes or respiratory signalsfrom a bellows. And finally, the pulse generator module 121 connects toa scan room interface circuit 133 which receives signals from varioussensors associated with the condition of the patient and the magnetsystem. It is also through the scan room interface circuit 133 that apatient positioning system 134 receives commands to move the patient tothe desired position for the scan.

The gradient waveforms produced by the pulse generator module 121 areapplied to a gradient amplifier system 127 comprised of G_(x), G_(y) andG_(z) amplifiers. Each gradient amplifier excites a correspondinggradient coil in an assembly generally designated 139 to produce themagnetic field gradients used for position encoding acquired signals.The gradient coil assembly 139 forms part of a magnet assembly 141 whichincludes a polarizing magnet 140 and a whole-body RF coil 152.

A transceiver module 150 in the system control 122 produces pulses whichare amplified by an RF amplifier 151 and coupled to the RF coil 152 by atransmit/receiver switch 154. The resulting signals radiated by theexcited nuclei in the patient may be sensed by the same RF coil 152 andcoupled through the transmit/receive switch 154 to a preamplifier 153.The amplified NMR signals are demodulated, filtered, and digitized inthe receiver section of the transceiver 150. The transmit/receive switch154 is controlled by a signal from the pulse generator module 121 toelectrically connect the RF amplifier 151 to the coil 152 during thetransmit mode and to connect the preamplifier 153 during the receivemode. The transmit/receive switch 154 also enables a separate RF coil(for example, a head coil or surface coil) to be used in either thetransmit or receive mode.

The NMR signals picked up by the RF coil 152 are digitized by thetransceiver module 150 and transferred to a memory module 160 in thesystem control 122. When the scan is completed and an entire array ofdata has been acquired in the memory module 160, an array processor 161operates to Fourier transform the data into an array of image data. Thisimage data is conveyed through the serial link 115 to the computersystem 107 where it is stored in the disk memory 111. In response tocommands received from the operator console 100, this image data may bearchived on the tape drive 112, or it may be further processed by theimage processor 106 and conveyed to the operator console 100 andpresented on the display 104.

Referring particularly to FIGS. 1 and 2, the transceiver 150 producesthe RF excitation field B₁ through power amplifier 151 at a coil 152Aand receives the resulting signal induced in a coil 152B. As indicatedabove, the coils 152A and B may be separate as shown in FIG. 2, or theymay be a single wholebody coil as shown in FIG. 1. The base, or carrier,frequency of the RF excitation field is produced under control of afrequency synthesizer 200 which receives a set of digital signals (CF)from the CPU module 119 and pulse generator module 121. These digitalsignals indicate the frequency and phase of the RF carrier signalproduced at an output 201. The commanded RF carrier is applied to amodulator and up converter 202 where its amplitude is modulated inresponse to a signal R(t) also received from the pulse generator module121. The signal R(t) defines the envelope of the RF excitation pulse tobe produced and is produced in the module 121 by sequentially readingout a series of stored digital values. These stored digital values may,in turn, be changed from the operator console 100 to enable any desiredRF pulse envelope to be produced.

The magnitude of the RF excitation pulse produced at output 205 isattenuated by an exciter attenuator circuit 206 which receives a digitalcommand, TA, from the backplane 118. The attenuated RF excitation pulsesare applied to the power amplifier 151 that drives the RF coil 152A. Fora more detailed description of this portion of the transceiver 122,reference is made to U.S. Pat. No. 4,952,877 which is incorporatedherein by reference.

Referring still to FIGS. 1 and 2 the NMR signal produced by the subjectis picked up by the receiver coil 152B and applied through thepreamplifier 153 to the input of a receiver attenuator 207. The receiverattenuator 207 further amplifies the signal by an amount determined by adigital attenuation signal (RA) received from the backplane 118.

The received signal is at or around the Larmor frequency, and this highfrequency signal is down converted in a two step process by a downconverter 208 which first mixes the NMR signal with the carrier signalon line 201 and then mixes the resulting difference signal with the 2.5MHz reference signal on line 204. The down converted NMR signal isapplied to the input of an analog-to-digital (A/D) converter 209 whichsamples and digitizes the analog signal and applies it to a digitaldetector and signal processor 210 which produces 16 bit in-phase (I)values and 16-bit quadrature (Q) values corresponding to the receivedsignal. The resulting stream of digitized I and Q values of the receivedsignal are output through backplane 118 to the memory module 160 wherethey are normalized in accordance with the present invention and thenemployed to reconstruct an image.

The 2.5 MHz reference signal as well as the 250 kHz sampling signal andthe 5, 10 and 60 MHz reference signals are produced by a referencefrequency generator 203 from a common 20 MHz master clock signal. For amore detailed description of the receiver, reference is made to U.S.Pat. No. 4,992,736 which is incorporated herein by reference.

In one embodiment of the preferred embodiment, an operator interactivelyprescribes geometry to define a subsequent MR imaging volume or receivesgeometry information from a previously defined MR imaging volume of thestructure of interest, such as an anatomical structure. Such interactivegeometry prescription is accomplished from the operator console 100(also referred to as an operator interface) using the input device 101.The input device 101 is selected from a group including, but not limitedto, a mouse, a joystick, a keyboard, a track ball, a touch screen, alight wand, and a voice control. The MR imaging system of the presentinvention is capable of imaging in any desired orientation within thestructure of interest and is equipped to perform both real-timeacquisitions and non real-time acquisitions. In particular, real-timerefers to continuous acquisition and reconstruction of MR image data asrapidly as it is acquired. A real-time MR image can be acquired anddisplayed in approximately one second or less, as constrained by MRimaging system performance.

FIG. 3 shows a graphical user interface 105 used in an embodiment of thepresent invention. The graphical user interface 105 and the MR image ofthe structure of interest is displayed on the display 104 (also referredto as an electronic display) of the MR imaging system. The operatorinteracts with the graphical user interface 105 using the input device101. The graphical user interface 105 includes a set start boundary icon10, a three-point start boundary geometry icon 12, a set end boundaryicon 14, and a three-point end boundary geometry icon 16. Thethree-point start and end boundary geometry icons 12, 16, respectively,each contain geometry coordinates defining the location of a planarsection of the structure of interest in the imaging volume. Thesecoordinates are defined in the patient right-left direction (R/L),patient anterior-posterior direction (A/P), and patientsuperior-inferior direction (S/I), hereafter referred to as center pointRAS coordinates. The graphical user interface 105 also includes anacquire start boundary icon 18, an acquire end boundary icon 20, anapply location icon 22, a retrieve location icon 24, and a save seriesicon 26.

First, to prescribe the boundary geometry of a subsequent or proposedimaging volume, it is desirable for the operator to view real-timeimaging sections, preferably two dimensional planar sections,corresponding to the boundaries defining the desired subsequent imagingvolume prior to committing to those imaging sections as the boundariesof the subsequent imaging volume. Typically the operator maneuvers theMR imaging system to acquire and display a real-time imaging section ondisplay 104 directed to the structure of interest that defines oneboundary of the desired subsequent imaging volume. The operator thenregisters this real-time imaging section as one boundary plane of thesubsequent imaging volume by “clicking” on the set start boundary icon10 on the graphical user interface 105. A geometry representation of thescan plane of this imaging section is determined and stored (i.e. in atext buffer) as text in center point RAS coordinates. The geometryrepresentation of the start boundary is also displayed in thethree-point start boundary geometry icon 12 of the graphical userinterface 105.

Next, the operator manipulates the MR imaging system to acquire anddisplay another real-time imaging section on display 104 directed to thestructure of interest that defines another boundary of the desiredsubsequent imaging volume. The operator registers this current real-timeimaging section as another boundary plane of the subsequent imagingvolume by clicking on the set end boundary icon 14 on the graphical userinterface 105. Similar to above, a geometry representation of the scanplane of this current imaging section is determined, stored, anddisplayed in center point RAS coordinates in the three-point endboundary geometry icon 16 of the graphical user interface 105.

It should be understood that non real-time imaging sections can also beutilized to set the start and end boundaries. The advantage of thereal-time imaging sections is that the operator can very rapidly viewmultiple imaging sections of interest for the purposes of prescribingthe subsequent imaging volume. Additionally, the operator can repeatedlyset the start and/or end boundary planes by acquiring and displaying anew imaging section and then clicking on the set start boundary icon 10or the set end boundary icon 14, as desired. In this way, the presentembodiment provides the operator with a finer degree of geometryprescription control.

The remaining boundary geometry defining the subsequent imaging volumecan be identical to the corresponding boundaries of the currentreal-time imaging section, i.e., the in-plane field of view.Alternatively, the remaining boundary geometry can be definedindependently with additional icons on the graphical user interface 105using the input device 101 (not shown in FIG. 3). Still further, in thecase where the two boundary planes are not parallel to each other, theMR imaging system can apply a best fit algorithm, or other suitablealgorithms, to the start and end boundaries to calculate the remainingboundary geometry.

The operator may now click on the apply location icon 22, whichtransfers the start and end boundary geometry information contained inicons 12, 16 to the subsequent imaging volume. Once the start and endboundary geometry information has been applied, the operator can clickon the save series icon 26. This signals the MR imaging system to checkfor a complete boundary geometry prescription and prepares the systemfor acquisition of the prescribed imaging volume.

Second, to retrieve the boundary geometry of a previously prescribed ordefined imaging volume and to utilize the retrieved geometry informationto check the prescribed boundary geometry or to use it as a startingpoint from which to prescribe a subsequent imaging volume, the operatorstarts by selecting a previously prescribed imaging volume from a listor display of one or more previously prescribed imaging volumes ondisplay 104 (not shown in FIG. 3). The previously prescribed imagingvolumes may be, but is not limited to, previously stored real-timeacquisitions, previously stored non real-time acquisitions, orpreviously stored graphically or explicitly (using geometry coordinates)prescribed imaging volumes from scout images. Then the operator clickson the retrieve location icon 24 to load boundary geometry information,in center point RAS coordinates, into the buffers corresponding to icons12, 16. Icons 12, 16 displays the two boundary plane geometryinformation.

Using the acquire start boundary icon 18 or the acquire end boundaryicon 20, the operator commands the MR imaging system to acquire anddisplay a real-time imaging section, typically a two-dimensional planersection, defined by the retrieved geometry information in thethree-point start boundary geometry icon 12 or the three-point endboundary geometry icon 16, respectively. Alternatively, the retrievedgeometry information may be used to acquire and display a non real-timeimaging section. The feature embodied in the acquire start and endboundary icons 18, 20 are particularly useful for checking or previewingthe boundaries of a previously prescribed imaging volume that has notbeen acquired, such as an imaging volume prescribed using scout images.

In another embodiment of the preferred embodiment, the imaging sectionacquired and displayed as a result of clicking the acquire start or endboundary icon 18, 20 may be modified such that an acquisition of a newimaging section occurs and the said section is displayed (replacing thecurrent imaging section displayed). The modification, for example, maybe accomplished by graphically or explicitly (using geometrycoordinates) changing the scan plane of the currently imaging section.This new imaging section, in turn, may be utilized to replace theretrieved geometry information stored in icon 12 or 16 by clicking onthe set start or end boundary icon 10 or 14, respectively. Thus, in thismanner, the geometry information of a previously prescribed imagingvolume may be used as a starting point from which to prescribe asubsequent imaging volume or to refine the prescription of a previouslyprescribed imaging volume.

Referring now to FIG. 4, a service system 1010 is illustrated forproviding remote service to a plurality of medical diagnostic systems1012, including systems such as the MR imaging system described withreference to FIG. 1. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, themedical diagnostic systems include a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)system 1014, a computed tomography (CT) system 1016, and an ultrasoundimaging system 1018. The diagnostic systems may be positioned in asingle location or facility, such as a medical facility 1020, or may beremote from one another as shown in the case of ultrasound system 1018.The diagnostic systems are serviced from a centralized service facility1022. Moreover, a plurality of field service units 1024 may be coupledin the service system for transmitting service requests, verifyingservice status, transmitting service data and so forth as described morefully below.

In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 4, several different systemmodalities are provided with remote service by the service facility.Remote services include but are not limited to services, such as, remotemonitoring, remote system control, immediate file access from remotelocations, remote file storage and archiving, remote resource pooling,remote recording, and remote high speed computations. Remote servicesare provided to a particular modality depending upon the capabilities ofthe service facility, the types of diagnostic systems subscribing toservice contracts with the facility, as well as other factors.

Depending upon the modality of the systems, various subcomponents orsubsystems will be included. In the case of MRI system 1014, suchsystems will generally include a scanner, a control and signal detectioncircuit, a system controller, and an operator station. MRI system 1014includes a uniform platform for interactively exchanging servicerequests, messages and data with service facility 1022 as described morefully below. MRI system 1014 is linked to a communications module 1032,which may be included in a single or separate physical package from MRIsystem 1014. In a typical system, additional components may be includedin system 1014, such as a printer or photographic system for producingreconstructed images based upon data collected from the scanner.

Similarly, CT system 1016 will typically include a scanner, a signalacquisition unit, and a system controller. The scanner detects portionsof x-ray radiation directed through a subject of interest. Thecontroller includes circuitry for commanding operation of the scannerand for processing and reconstructing image data based upon the acquiredsignals. CT system 1016 is linked to a communications module 1048 fortransmitting and receiving data for remote services. Moreover, like MRIsystem 1014, CT system 1016 will generally include a printer or similardevice for outputting reconstructed images based upon data collected bythe scanner.

In the case of ultrasound system 1018, such systems will generallyinclude a scanner and data processing unit and a system controller.Ultrasound system 1018 is coupled to a communications module 1062 fortransmitting service requests, messages and data between ultrasoundsystem 1018 and service facility 1022.

Although reference is made herein generally to “scanners” in diagnosticsystems, that term should be understood to include medical diagnosticdata acquisition equipment generally, not limited to image dataacquisition, as well as to picture archiving communications andretrieval systems, image management systems, facility or institutionmanagement systems, viewing systems and the like, in the field ofmedical diagnostics.

Where more than one medical diagnostic system is provided in a singlefacility or location, as indicated in the case of MRI and CT systems1014 and 1016 in FIG. 4, these may be coupled to a management station1070, such as in a radiology department of a hospital or clinic. Themanagement station may be linked directly to controllers for the variousdiagnostic systems. The management system may include a computerworkstation or personal computer 1072 coupled to the system controllersin an intranet configuration, in a file sharing configuration, aclient/server arrangement, or in any other suitable manner. Moreover,management station 1070 will typically include a monitor 1074 forviewing system operational parameters, analyzing system utilization, andexchanging service requests and data between the facility 1020 and theservice facility 1022. Input devices, such as a standard computerkeyboard 1076 and mouse 1078, may also be provided to facilitate theuser interface.

It should be noted that, alternatively, the management system, or otherdiagnostic system components, may be “stand-alone” or not coupleddirectly to a diagnostic system. In such cases, the service platformdescribed herein, and some or all of the service functionalitynevertheless be provided on the management system. Similarly, in certainapplications, a diagnostic system may consist of a stand-alone ornetworked picture archiving communications and retrieval system or aviewing station provided with some or all of the functionality describedherein.

The communication modules mentioned above, as well as workstation 1072and field service units 1024 may be linked to service facility 1022 viaa remote access network 1080. For this purpose, any suitable networkconnection may be employed. Presently preferred network configurationsinclude both proprietary or dedicated networks, as well as opennetworks, such as the Internet. Data may be exchanged between thediagnostic systems, field service units, and remote service facility1022 in any suitable format, such as in accordance with the InternetProtocol (IP), the Transmission Control Protocol (TCP), or other knownprotocols. Moreover, certain of the data may be transmitted or formattedvia markup languages such as the HyperText Markup Language (HTML), orother standard languages. The presently preferred interface structuresand communications components are described in greater detail below.

Within service facility 1022, messages, service requests and data arereceived by communication components as indicated generally at referencenumeral 1082. Components 1082 transmit the service data to a servicecenter processing system, represented generally at reference numeral1084 in FIG. 4. The processing system manages the receipt, handling andtransmission of service data to and from the service facility. Ingeneral, processing system 1084 may include one or a plurality ofcomputers, as well as dedicated hardware or software servers forprocessing the various service requests and for receiving andtransmitting the service data as described more fully below.

Service facility 1022 also includes a bank of operator workstations 1086which may be staffed by personnel who address the service requests andprovide off and on-line service to the diagnostic systems in response tothe service requests. Also, processing system 1084 may be linked to asystem of databases or other processing systems 1088 at or remote fromthe service facility 1022. Such databases and processing systems mayinclude extensive database information on operating parameters, servicehistories, and so forth, both for particular subscribing scanners, aswell as for extended populations of diagnostic equipment.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating the foregoing system componentsin a functional view. As shown in FIG. 5, the field service units 1024and the diagnostic systems 1012 can be linked to the service facility1022 via a network connection as illustrated generally at referencenumeral 1080. Within each diagnostic system 1012, a uniform serviceplatform 1090 is provided.

Platform 1090, which is described in greater detail below withparticular reference to FIG. 6, includes hardware, firmware, andsoftware components adapted for composing service requests, transmittingand receiving service data, establishing network connections andmanaging financial or subscriber arrangements between diagnostic systemsand the service facility. Moreover, the platforms provide a uniformgraphical user interface at each diagnostic system, which can be adaptedto various system modalities to facilitate interaction of clinicians andradiologists with the various diagnostic systems for service functions.The platforms enable the scanner designer to interface directly with thecontrol circuitry of the individual scanners, as well as with memorydevices at the scanners, to access image, log and similar files neededfor rendering requested or subscribed services. Where a managementstation 1070 is provided, a similar uniform platform is preferablyloaded on the management station to facilitate direct interfacingbetween the management station and the service facility. In addition tothe uniform service platform 1090, each diagnostic system is preferablyprovided with an alternative communications module 1092, such as afacsimile transmission module for sending and receiving facsimilemessages between the scanner and remote service facilities.

Messages and data transmitted between the diagnostic systems and theservice facility traverse a security barrier or “firewall” containedwithin processing system 1084 as discussed below, which preventsunauthorized access to the service facility in a manner generally knownin the art. A modem rack 1096, including a series of modems 1098,receives the incoming data, and transmits outgoing data through a router1100 which manages data traffic between the modems and the servicecenter processing system 1084.

In the diagram of FIG. 5, operator workstations 1086 are coupled to theprocessing system, as are remote databases or computers 1088. Inaddition, at least one local service database 1102 is provided forverifying license and contract arrangements, storing service recordfiles, log files, and so forth. Moreover, one or more communicationmodules 1104 are linked to processing system 1084 to send and receivefacsimile transmissions between the service facility and the diagnosticsystems or field service units.

FIG. 6 illustrates diagrammatically the various functional componentscomprising the uniform service platform 1090 within each diagnosticsystem 1012. As shown in FIG. 6, the uniform platform includes a deviceconnectivity module 1106, as well as a network connectivity module 1108.Network connectivity module 108 accesses a main web page 110 which, asmentioned above, is preferably a markup language page, such as an HTMLpage displayed for the system user on a monitor at the diagnosticsystem. Main web page 1110 is preferably accessible from a normaloperating page in which the user will configure examination requests,view the results of examinations, and so forth such as via an on-screenicon. Through main web page 1110, a series of additional web pages 1112are accessible. Such web pages permit remote service requests to becomposed and transmitted to the remote service facility, and facilitatethe exchange of other messages, reports, software, protocols, and soforth as described more fully below.

It should be noted that as used herein the term “page” includes a userinterface screen or similar arrangement which can be viewed by a user ofthe diagnostic system, such as screens providing graphical or textualrepresentations of data, messages, reports and so forth. Moreover, suchpages may be defined by a markup language or a programming language suchas Java, perl, java script, or any other suitable language.

Network connectivity module 1108 is coupled to a license module 1114 forverifying the status of license, fee or contractual subscriptionsbetween the diagnostic system and the service facility. As used herein,the term “subscription” should be understood to include variousarrangements, contractual, commercial or otherwise for the provision ofservices, information, software, and the like, both accompanies with orwithout payment of a fee. Moreover, the particular arrangements managesby systems as described below may include several different types ofsubscriptions, including time-expiring arrangements, one-time feearrangements, and so-called “pay per use” arrangements, to mention but afew.

License module 1114 is, in turn, coupled to one or more adapterutilities 1116 for interfacing the browser, server, and communicationscomponents with modality interface tools 1118. In a presently preferredconfiguration, several such interface tools are provided for exchangingdata between the system scanner and the service platform. For example,modality interface tools 11 18 may include applets or servlets forbuilding modality-specific applications, as well as configurationtemplates, graphical user interface customization code, and so forth.Adapters 1116 may interact with such components, or directly with amodality controller 1120 which is coupled to modality-specificsubcomponents 1122.

The modality controller 1120 and modality-specific subcomponents 1122will typically include a preconfigured processor or computer forexecuting examinations, and memory circuitry for storing image datafiles, log files, error files, and so forth. Adapter 1116 may interfacewith such circuitry to convert the stored data to and from desiredprotocols, such as between the HyperText Transfer Protocol (HTTP) andDICOM, a medical imaging standard for data presentation. Moreover,transfer of files and data as described below may be performed via anysuitable protocol, such as a file transfer protocol (FTP) or othernetwork protocol.

In the illustrated embodiment, device connectivity module 1106 includesseveral components for providing data exchange between the diagnosticsystem and the remote service facility. In particular, a connectivityservice module 1124 provides for interfacing with network connectivitymodule 1108. A Point-to-Point Protocol (PPP) module 1126 is alsoprovided for transmitting Internet Protocol (IP) packets over remotecommunication connections. Finally, a modem 1128 is provided forreceiving and transmitting data between the diagnostic system and theremote service facility. As will be appreciated by those skilled in theart, various other network protocols and components may be employedwithin device connectivity module 1106 for facilitating such dataexchange.

Network connectivity module 1108 preferably includes a server 1130 and abrowser 1132. Server 1130 facilitates data exchange between thediagnostic system and the service facility, and permits a series of webpages 1110 and 1112 to be viewed via browser 1132. In a presentlypreferred embodiment, server 1130 and browser 1132 support HTTPapplications and the browser supports java applications. Other serversand browsers, or similar software packages may, of course, be employedfor exchanging data, service requests, messages, and software betweenthe diagnostic system, the operator and the remote service facility.Finally, a direct network connection 1134 may be provided between server1130 and an operator workstation, such as management station 1070 withinthe medical facility (see FIGS. 4 and 5).

In a present embodiment, the components comprising network connectivitymodule may be configured via an application stored as part of theuniform platform. In particular, a Java application licensed to aservice engineer enables the engineer to configure the deviceconnectivity at the diagnostic system to permit it to connect with theservice facility.

FIG. 7 illustrates exemplary functional components for service facility1022. As indicated above, service facility 1022 includes a modem rack1096 comprising a plurality of modems 1098 coupled to a router 1100 forcoordinating data communications with the service facility. An HTTPservice server 1094 receives and directs incoming and outgoingtransactions with the facility. Server 1094 is coupled to the othercomponents of the facility through a firewall 1138 for system security.Operator workstations 1086 are coupled to the port manager for handlingservice requests and transmitting messages and reports in response tosuch requests.

An automated service unit 1136 may also be included in the servicefacility for automatically responding to certain service requests,sweeping subscribing diagnostic systems for operational parameter data,and so forth, as described below. In a presently preferred embodiment,the automated service unit may operate independently of or inconjunction with the interactive service components comprisingprocessing system 1084. It should be noted that other network orcommunications schemes may be provided for enabling the service facilityto communicate and exchange data and messages with diagnostic systemsand remote service units, such as systems including outside Internetservice providers (ISP's), virtual private networks (VPN's) and soforth.

Behind firewall 1138, an HTTP application server 1140 coordinateshandling of service requests, messaging, reporting, software transfersand so forth. Other servers may be coupled to HTTP server 1140, such asservice analysis servers 1142 configured to address specific types ofservice requests, as described more fully below. In the illustratedembodiment, processing system 1084 also includes a license server 1144which is coupled to a license database 1146 for storing, updating andverifying the status of diagnostic system service subscriptions.Alternatively, where desired, license server 1144 may be placed outsideof fire wall 1138 to verify subscription status prior to admission tothe service facility.

Handling of service requests, messaging, and reporting is furthercoordinated by a scheduler module 1148 coupled to HTTP server 1140.Scheduler module 1148 coordinates activities of other servers comprisingthe processing system, such as a report server 1150, a message server1152, and a software download server 1154. As will be appreciated bythose skilled in the art, servers 1150, 1152 and 1154 are coupled tomemory devices (not shown) for storing data such as addresses, logfiles, message and report files, applications software, and so forth. Inparticular, as illustrated in FIG. 7, software server 1154 is coupledvia one or more data channels to a storage device 1156 for containingtransmittable software packages which may be sent directly to thediagnostic systems, accessed by the diagnostic systems, or supplied onpay-per-use or purchase basis. Message and report servers 1152 and 1154are further coupled, along with communications module 1104, to adelivery handling module 1158, which is configured to receive outgoingmessages, insure proper connectivity with diagnostic systems, andcoordinate transmission of the messages.

In a presently preferred embodiment, the foregoing functional circuitrymay be configured as hardware, firmware, or software on any appropriatecomputer platform. For example, the functional circuitry of thediagnostic systems may be programmed as appropriate code in a personnelcomputer or workstation either incorporated entirely in or added to thesystem scanner. The functional circuitry of the service facility mayinclude additional personal computers or workstations, in addition to amain frame computer in which one or more of the servers, the scheduler,and so forth, are configured. Finally, the field service units maycomprise personal computers or laptop computers of any suitableprocessor platform. It should also be noted that the foregoingfunctional circuitry may be adapted in a variety of manners forexecuting the functions described herein. In general, the functionalcircuitry facilitates the exchange of remote service data between thediagnostic systems and a remote service facility, which is preferablyimplemented in an interactive manner to provide regular updates to thediagnostic systems of service activities.

As described above, both the diagnostic systems and the field serviceunits preferably facilitate interfacing between a variety of diagnosticsystem modalities and the remote service facility via a series ofinteractive user-viewable pages. Exemplary pages include capabilities ofproviding interactive information, composing service requests, selectingand transferring messages, reports and diagnostic system software, andso forth. Pages facilitate the interaction and use of remote services,such as, remote monitoring, remote system control, immediate file accessfrom remote locations, remote file storage and archiving, remoteresource pooling, remote recording, and remote high speed computations.

The user can access specific documents described in text areas of thepages by selection of all or a portion of the text describing thedocuments. In the presently preferred embodiment, the accessed documentsmay be stored in local memory devices within the diagnostic system, orselection of the text may result in loading of a uniform resourcelocator (URL) for accessing a remote computer or server via a networklink.

Service system 1010 (FIG. 4) provides remote services, such as, remotecontrol, remote diagnostics, and remote servicing. Advantageously,service system 1010 (FIG. 4) allows the MRI system described withreference to FIG. 1 to be controlled from a remote location. As such,skilled system operators or physicians may operate the MRI systemwithout either the physician travelling to the patient or the patienttravelling to the physician. In particular, service system 1010 providesfor accurately and efficiently prescribing the geometry of a subsequentimaging volume of a structure of interest using at least twotwo-dimensional MR imaging sections as well as retrieving geometryinformation from a previously prescribed imaging volume and manipulatingthis geometry information over a network.

Service system 1010 also allows the MRI system to be serviced by aremote facility. As such, calibration, software upgrades, and otherservice operations are available via the network.

While the embodiments illustrated in the Figures and described above arepresently preferred, it should be understood that the embodiments areoffered by way of example only. Other embodiments may include, forexample, setting the start or end boundary described herein may beaccomplished directly by inputting geometry coordinates rather than bydisplaying an imaging section and extracting or determining geometrycoordinates therefrom. The invention is not limited to a particularembodiment, but extends to various modifications, combinations, andpermutations that nevertheless fall within the scope and spirit of theappended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A magnetic resonance (MR) imaging system for prescribing geometry of an imaging volume of a structure of interest, comprising: a MR imaging device configured to acquire and reconstruct MR data in real-time of at least one first and second imaging section of the structure of interest in real-time and displaying at least one first and second imaging section of the structures of interest in real-time; a network coupling the MR imaging device and a remote facility, the network providing remote services to the MR imaging device; an operator interface configured to transmit at least one selection signal in response to an operator selecting a first boundary plane of the structure of interest on the operator interface, wherein the first boundary plane is prescribed by the first imaging section of the structure of interest, and the operator selecting a second boundary plane of the structure of interest on the operator interface, wherein the second boundary plane is prescribed by the second imaging section of the structure of interest; and a computer system coupled to the operator interface and the network, wherein the computer system is configured to determine a first and second geometry information corresponding to the first and second imaging sections, respectively, of the structure of interest, in response to the at least one selection signal, and wherein the computer system is configured to store the first and second geometry information in the MR imaging system.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the remote services comprise upgrading MR imaging system software, remotely controlling operation of the MR imaging system, performing remote diagnostics, and providing remote servicing of the MR imaging system.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the operator interface includes an electronic display configured to display the first and second imaging sections of the structure of interest.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the operator interface includes an electronic display configured to display the first and second geometry information.
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein the subsequent imaging volume is selected from a group including a three-dimensional MR acquisition and a stack of a plurality of two-dimensional MR acquisitions.
 6. The system of claim 1, further comprising a system control configured to receive an initiation signal from the operator interface to initiate the acquisition of the subsequent imaging volume using the boundary geometry prescribed by the first and second geometry information.
 7. The system of claim 6, wherein the acquired imaging volume is a MR scan selected from a group including a real-time acquisition and a non real-time acquisition.
 8. The system of claim 1, wherein at least one of the imaging section is a planar section from a group including a real-time acquisition and a non real-time acquisition.
 9. The system of claim 1, wherein the operator interface includes an input device selected from a group including a mouse, a joystick, a keyboard, a trackball, a touch screen, a light wand, and a voice control.
 10. The system of claim 1, wherein the first and second boundary planes are parallel to each other.
 11. The system of claim 1, wherein the remaining boundaries defining the subsequent imaging volume is prescribed by the in-plane field of view of at least one imaging section.
 12. The system of claim 1, wherein remaining boundaries defining the proposed imaging volume is prescribed by a best-fit algorithm applied to the first and second boundary planes. 